Description
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
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Common names: Patricia Dart Frog, Tinctorius Patricia.
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Tinctorius means “dyer’s frog,” from early use of skins in indigenous dyeing practices.
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The “Patricia” morph is a selectively bred color variety named by early dart frog breeders/keepers, prized for its unique yellow, black, and blue patterning.
Characteristics
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Medium-to-large dart frog with bold coloration.
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Hardy and adaptable, making it a good choice for both new and experienced keepers.
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More terrestrial than some dart frogs, often seen hopping across the forest floor or leaf litter.
Recommended Vivarium Size
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Minimum: 18” x 18” x 18” for a pair.
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Larger enclosures (24” x 18” x 18” or more) are recommended for trios or groups.
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Provide leaf litter, cork bark, live plants, and horizontal surfaces for egg deposition.
Temperature
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Daytime: 72–78°F (22–25°C).
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Nighttime: 68–72°F (20–22°C).
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Avoid sustained exposure above 80°F.
Humidity
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70–90%, with daily misting.
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Needs moist microhabitats and shaded hides but also ventilation to prevent stagnant air.
Size of Frog
Life Span
Feeding
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Primary diet: fruit flies (D. melanogaster and D. hydei).
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Supplements: springtails, isopods, pinhead crickets.
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Feed daily; dust feeders with calcium and multivitamins several times per week.
Color/Pattern
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Black body base with bold yellow patches across the back and head.
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Limbs often show rich blue coloration with black spotting.
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Pattern is variable between individuals, but the signature Patricia look is the yellow “cape” or blotching contrasted with blue legs.
Social Behavior
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Can be kept in pairs or groups if enclosure is large and well-structured.
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Males may show territorial behavior, especially in breeding setups.
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Generally bold and visible compared to some other dart frogs.
How to Determine Sex
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Males: slightly smaller, slimmer, with more pronounced toe pads; produce soft buzzing calls.
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Females: larger, fuller-bodied, especially when gravid.
How to Breed
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Provide moist laying sites like film canisters, petri dishes, or broad leaves.
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Males call to attract females, and eggs are laid in secluded moist areas.
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Eggs hatch in ~10–14 days; tadpoles can be collected and raised in aquatic setups.
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Tadpoles metamorphose into froglets in ~2–3 months.
This morph is very popular with hobbyists because of its bright contrast (yellow + blue) and its hardiness, making it a great showcase species.
